Deadline: 27-May-2026
The Agri Food System Transformation & Innovation (AFTI) Programme is an integrated initiative led by the World Food Programme in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and UNICEF. It supports Nigeria’s Food System Transformation Strategy by improving agricultural productivity, market systems, resilience, and social cohesion in vulnerable regions.
Programme Objective
The primary objective is to strengthen food systems and livelihoods in conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable areas of Borno State. The programme focuses on improving agricultural recovery, market integration, and community resilience through coordinated interventions that link production, post-harvest systems, and market access with social stability and inclusion.
Geographic Scope and Duration
The programme will be implemented across the following Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State, Nigeria:
- Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC)
- Jere
- Mafa
- Additional peacebuilding activities in Konduga LGA
Duration of implementation is approximately 9 months, focusing on rapid recovery and resilience-building interventions.
Key Focus Areas
The programme addresses multiple dimensions of food systems and community resilience:
- Livelihoods and income generation support for smallholder farmers
- Cash and voucher assistance for vulnerable households
- Agricultural market access and structured B2B linkages
- Reduction of post-harvest losses through improved storage and handling
- Expansion of digital agricultural services and platforms
- Climate-resilient agricultural practices and adaptation strategies
- Strengthening community-level self-reliance and resilience
- Social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between communities
- Gender-transformative programming and inclusion of women and youth
- Community engagement, accountability, and grievance mechanisms
Infrastructure and Resilience Assets
The programme builds on previously established infrastructure developed through resilience and recovery initiatives, including:
- Irrigation systems supporting year-round farming
- Livelihood support units for agricultural production
- Solar-powered cold chain hubs for storage and preservation
- Greenhouse irrigation systems
- Aquaculture systems for fish production
- Water reservoirs supporting agriculture and community needs
These assets were strengthened following recovery efforts linked to the 2024 Alau Dam flooding disaster and are intended to improve long-term agricultural resilience and food security.
Implementation Model and Partnerships
The World Food Programme seeks a qualified NGO or Civil Society Organization (CSO) with strong local presence and operational capacity to implement the programme.
Key implementation expectations include:
- Direct community-level programme delivery
- Coordination with private sector service providers
- Subcontracting or collaboration with specialists in:
- Digital agriculture and extension services
- Logistics and supply chain systems
- Post-harvest technology solutions
- Agro-processing systems
- Market platform development
Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Component
A dedicated peacebuilding component will be implemented in Konduga LGA focusing on:
- Community dialogue and reconciliation processes
- Establishment of peacebuilding and conflict resolution structures
- Strengthening accountability and grievance mechanisms
- Gender-inclusive peacebuilding interventions
- Community-led monitoring and feedback systems
Expected Outcomes
The programme is designed to achieve the following results:
- Strengthened or newly established peacebuilding structures at community level
- Increased community participation in governance, monitoring, and feedback systems
- Improved gender equality, protection practices, and inclusion
- Stronger collaboration between communities and government institutions
- Enhanced mechanisms for inclusive decision-making and grievance redressal
- Improved agricultural market access and reduced post-harvest losses
- Increased resilience of smallholder farmers and vulnerable households
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative addresses interconnected challenges of food insecurity, climate shocks, weak market systems, and conflict-driven instability in Borno State. By integrating agricultural recovery with social cohesion, it promotes both economic resilience and long-term peacebuilding. It strengthens food systems while ensuring vulnerable communities gain improved access to markets, services, and governance mechanisms.
Key System-Level Challenges Addressed
The programme responds to major structural constraints in Nigeria’s food systems, including:
- Low agricultural productivity
- Weak market linkages for smallholder farmers
- Inadequate storage and processing infrastructure
- High post-harvest losses
- Climate-related shocks and variability
- Conflict-related disruption of livelihoods and markets
Conclusion
The Agri Food System Transformation & Innovation (AFTI) Programme led by the World Food Programme represents a multi-agency effort to transform food systems, strengthen resilience, and improve social cohesion in Borno State, Nigeria. By integrating agricultural recovery with market systems and peacebuilding, it aims to create sustainable livelihoods and more stable, inclusive communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.